Fossilized Gastropod Snail Shell
Gastropoda indet., cf. Nerinea or similar coiled snail • Body fossil, invertebrate marine or terrestrial gastropod shell internal mold/steinkern
Geological Period
Jurassic to Cretaceous
Estimated Age
66 to 200 million years
Preservation Type
Internal mold or steinkern with complete replacement by fine-grained mineral matter (permineralization)
Condition Assessment
Good condition; complete general morphology preserved as a robust steinkern, though surface details of the original shell are eroded away
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Mollusca, Class Gastropoda
Morphological Description
Compact, globose to moderately high-spired coiled shell with distinct whorls, a depressed spire, and a deeply incised suture line following a classic logarithmic spiral growth pattern.
Rock Matrix
Fine-grained limestone or calcareous sandstone matrix
Formation & Location
Commonly found in marine limestone formations worldwide, including European and North American Mesozoic deposits
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 3 cm to 4 cm in height, which is typical for medium-sized Mesozoic gastropod steinkerns
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $40 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of ancient benthic invertebrate communities and paleoenvironments, useful for local biostratigraphy
Preparation Recommendations
Gentle mechanical cleaning with a soft brush; store in a dry, stable indoor environment
Notable Features
Smooth, rounded weathering highlighting the natural internal whorl structure clearly as a solid steinkern